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Art software for Windows you buy once
If you are tired of renting your tools, Limner is a native Windows art studio you pay for once. It is free during the open beta, and Limner Plus will be a single one-time purchase, never a subscription.
| App | On Windows | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|
| Limner | Yes | Free in beta, then a one-time Limner Plus. No subscription |
| Adobe Photoshop | Yes | Subscription only |
| Clip Studio Paint | Yes | Pay once, but new versions need an Update Pass, or subscribe |
| Procreate | No (iPad) | One-time purchase |
| Krita | Yes | Free and open source |
What buy-once means here
You pay one time and keep the version you bought. No monthly fee, and no yearly pass just to keep getting updates. If you ever stop, the app you paid for keeps working. A Free tier stays too, so you can start at no cost.
Being straight with you
Some very good Windows art apps are free, like Krita, FireAlpaca, and MediBang. If free is all you need, use them. The case for Limner is a native, unified studio with a particular feel, painting plus vector plus animation plus comics in one document, that you own outright rather than rent.
Where buy-once really pays off
The clearest contrast is with subscription tools. Adobe Photoshop is subscription only, so the cost never stops. Clip Studio Paint still sells a perpetual license, but moving to each new major version needs a paid Update Pass or a subscription. Limner is one purchase, with updates during your version included.
What you get
- A full brush engine with pressure and tilt via Windows Ink, and Photoshop
.abrbrush import. - Layers, blend modes, and non-destructive masks.
- Editable vector line art, frame-by-frame animation, and multi-page comics in the same file.
- Opens and exports layered PSD, plus PNG, JPEG, and SVG, and 4K timelapse recording.
Common questions
Is Limner really a one-time purchase?
Limner is free during the open beta. When Limner Plus launches it will be a one-time purchase, not a subscription, and a Free tier stays.
Do updates cost extra?
No. There is no update pass. Updates to your version are included, and the app you bought keeps working if you ever stop updating.
Is it cheaper than the free apps?
No. Krita, FireAlpaca, and MediBang are free. Limner competes on being a unified, native studio you own, not on being cheaper than free.